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Women's Participation in Kuapa Kokoo

Margret Fianko lives in Aduyaakrom in the western region of Ghana and has been a member of Kuapa for 13 years. She is a mother of three and shares a 7 acre farm with her husband where the majority of land is dedicated to cocoa production. Margret says”the best thing about being a Kuapa member is that they assist women a lot,” something of which she is taking full advantage.

Margret never went to school but is now a participant in a Divine-funded numeracy and literacy program managed by Kuapa Kokoo and facilitated by Ghana’s Non Formal Education Division. “Before the course, I couldn’t do anything; I couldn’t read and couldn’t write,” Margret explained. “But now I can recognize letters and read."

She is also putting her newly learned numeracy skills to good use to record the expenditure and income of the market stall she runs and was proud to report that she now knows how much money she makes and only spends the profit. Margret’s ambition is to one day be elected as a Kuapa recorder—someone responsible for buying cocoa from other Kuapa members—and is making good progress towards learning the skills necessary for this position.

As a member of a Kuapa women’s group, Margret is also part owner of a 1 acre community farm. When her women’s group first formed two years ago, they were encouraged by Kuapa to start an income generating activity. They chose a communal farm where they grow aubergines and okra which is sold in the local market. Being part of a women’s group also means that Margret has received training in the production of liquid soap and screen printing; these serve as other income generating activities that can supplement the income she achieves from cocoa production.

Top photo: Members of Margret's women’s group showing off their crop of aubergines from the communal farm.

Our Dark Chocoalte Hazelnut Truffle bar features the Women’s Training Program on the label.